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Microsoft Reveals New Details for Project Scarlett Next-Gen Xbox Console with 8K Support[teaser]More details have been announced for the upcoming video game system.[/teaser] As part of the company's E3 2019 press conference presentation, Microsoft has revealed several new details for its Xbox One successor, currently codenamed Project Scarlett. Though pricing and an exact release date have not been announced, the console is expected to arrive during the holiday season of 2020. Full specs are still forthcoming, but Project Scarlett will be powered by a custom-designed processor using AMD's newest Zen 2 and Radeon RDNA architecture, offering four times more processing power than the Xbox One X. In addition, the system will incorporate high bandwidth GDDR6 memory and a next generation solid state drive (SSD), enabling reduced load times and more than a 40x overall performance increase over current-gen consoles. Likewise, Project Scarlett will also support 8K resolution, up to 120 fps (frames per second), variable refresh rates, hardware accelerated raytracing, and ultra-low latency input. Check out the reveal video below for more details! And to coincide with the arrival of the new Xbox console, Microsoft has also announced plans to release the latest entry in the Halo franchise, titled Halo Infinite, as a launch title for Project Scarlett in 2020. Here's a synopsis for the game per Microsoft: This next chapter in 343 Industries' legendary Halo franchise invites players to join the venerable Master Chief on an all-new adventure as he uncovers the mysteries surrounding the appearance of The Pilot and the desolate remains of a Halo ring. Halo Infinite is powered by the studio’s next-generation Slipspace Engine. Check out a trailer for the game below! Meanwhile, beyond the next-gen console, Microsoft revealed an extensive new lineup of Xbox One games set for release over the coming months. CLICK HERE for a full rundown of all the major announcements. Microsoft's current-generation flagship system, the Xbox One X, is currently on sale for up to $100 off its MSRP. The system supports 4K HDR gaming and Ultra HD Blu-ray disc playback. Source: MicrosoftPosted Sun Jun 9, 2019 at 09:25 PM PDT by: -
Coming Soon to Streaming: JESSICA JONES, TRANSPARENT, and More[teaser]The final season of Marvel's last Netflix show will start streaming later this month.[/teaser] Netflix and Amazon Prime Video have released new trailers and info for several of their upcoming shows and films. Here's a full rundown of titles scheduled to arrive on each service: Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story By Martin Scorsese (Netflix, June 12) - Captures the troubled spirit of America in 1975, and the joyous music that Bob Dylan performed that fall. Master filmmaker Martin Scorsese creates a one-of-a-kind movie experience: part documentary, part concert film, part fever dream. Featuring Joan Baez, Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, Sam Shepard, Allen Ginsberg, and Bob Dylan giving his first on-camera interview in over a decade. The film goes beyond mere reclamation of Dylan’s extraordinary music—it’s a roadmap into the wild country of artistic self-reinvention. Jo Koy Stand-up Special: Comin' In Hot (Netflix, June 12) - Witness the Blaisdell Arena explode with laughter when Jo Koy takes the stage. Returning for his second Netflix special, Jo Koy: Comin' In Hot, be prepared to witness a dazzling display of hula dancing and an arsenal of self-deprecating humor. Koy is fired up to educate the masses on how to raise a millennial, the intricacies of Filipino traditions, and more! Marvel's Jessica Jones: Season 3 (Netflix, June 14) - New York City private investigator Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter) is beginning to put her life back together after murdering her tormenter, Kilgrave. Now known throughout the city as a super-powered killer, a new case makes her reluctantly confront who she really is while digging deeper into her past to explore the reasons why. Krysten Ritter (Jessica Jones) is joined by an incredible returning cast that includes Rachael Taylor (Trish Walker), Carrie-Anne Moss (Jeri Hogarth), Eka Darville (Malcolm Ducasse) and new cast members Janet McTeer and J.R. Ramirez, among others. Aggretsuko: Season 2 (Netflix, June 14) - Retsuko is a 25-year-old red panda who is an office associate in the accounting department of a trading company in Tokyo. All she wants is to do her job and get through the day, but when frustrations reach a boiling point, she vents through death metal. Life Overtakes Me (Netflix, June 14) - Facing deportation, hundreds of refugee children in Sweden have become afflicted with resignation syndrome, withdrawing from the world into a coma-like state as if frozen for months, or even years. Life Overtakes Me immerses viewers into the lives of the anguished parents who struggle to care for their sick children. The Edge of Democracy (Netflix, June 19) - A cautionary tale for these times of democracy in crisis - the personal and political fuse to explore one of the most dramatic periods in Brazilian history. Combining unprecedented access to leaders past and present, including Presidents Dilma Rousseff and Lula da Silva, with accounts of her own family's complex past, filmmaker Petra Costa (ELENA) witnesses their rise and fall and the tragically polarized nation that remains. DARK: Season 2 (Netflix, June 21) - Jonas finds himself trapped in the future and desperately tries to return to 2020. Meanwhile, his friends Martha, Magnus, and Franziska are trying to uncover how Bartosz’ is involved in the mysterious incidents occurring in their small hometown of Winden. More and more people are drawn into the events orchestrated by an obscure figure who seemingly controls everything that is connected throughout different time zones. Family Business (Netflix, June 28) - Joseph, 35, can think of a million businesses he could launch… even if he still works as a kosher butcher in his father’s shop (Gérard). When he hears that weed is about to be legalized ‘for sure’, he has an epiphany. His killer plan is to turn the family butcher shop into a ‘potcher’ shop, with the help of his family and friends… Money Heist: Part 3 (Netflix, July 19) - Eight thieves take hostages and lock themselves in the Royal Mint of Spain as a criminal mastermind manipulates the police to carry out his plan. GLOW: Season 3 (Netflix, August 9) - Inspired by the short-lived but beloved show from the 80s, GLOW tells the fictional story of Ruth Wilder (Alison Brie), an out-of-work, struggling actress in 1980s Los Angeles who finds one last chance for stardom when she’s thrust into the glitter and spandex world of women's wrestling. In addition to working with 12 Hollywood misfits, Ruth also has to compete with Debbie Eagan (Betty Gilpin ) a former soap actress who left the business to have a baby, only to be sucked back into work when her picture perfect life is not what it seems. And at the wheel is Sam Sylvia (Marc Maron), a washed-up, B-movie director who now must lead this group of women on the journey to wrestling stardom. Carnival Row (Amazon Prime Video, August 30) - Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne star in Carnival Row, a Victorian fantasy world filled with mythological immigrant creatures. Feared by humans, they are forbidden to live, love, or fly with freedom. But even in darkness, hope lives, as a human detective and a faerie rekindle a dangerous affair. The city’s uneasy peace collapses when a string of murders reveals a monster no one could imagine. Transparent Musicale Finale (Amazon Prime Video, Fall 2019) - Takes the beloved Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning series Transparent to new heights as a dazzling two-hour movie musical fantasia. When the Pfeffermans face a life-changing loss, they begin a journey hilarious and melancholy, brazen and bold. As they face this new transition, they confront grief and come together to celebrate connection, joy, and transformation. Undone (Amazon Prime Video, Coming Soon) - A half-hour, genre-bending, animated series that explores the elastic nature of reality through its central character Alma, a twenty-eight-year-old living in San Antonio, Texas. After getting into a car accident and nearly dying, Alma finds she has a new relationship to time. She develops this new ability in order to find out the truth about her father’s death. Catching Sight of Thelma & Louise (Amazon Prime Video Direct, June 28) - A powerful, intimate documentary, Catching Sight of Thelma & Louise dives off the edge and into the truth of women's experiences in the world, using Ridley Scott's landmark film as a touchstone. Clips from Thelma & Louise serve as a catalyst for personal stories by viewers who were impacted by the film in 1991, as well as two of the male actors (Christopher McDonald and Marco St. John) and film editor Thom Noble. Today, the same women and men connect the past to the present, asking what, if anything, has changed in the way women are treated by the world. - A current Netflix subscription starts at $13 per month for HD streaming and $16 per month for Ultra HD streaming. - A current Amazon Prime subscription costs $119 per year or $13 per month. Likewise, Prime Instant Video is available as a standalone service for $9 per month. Sources: Netflix (YouTube), Amazon (YouTube), Far Beyond Film (YouTube)Posted Sat Jun 8, 2019 at 02:00 PM PDT by: -
Theme Park Review: Star Wars: Galaxy's EdgeYou will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy... Obi Wan's words ring in my mind as I walk through the tunnel, transporting myself from a nostalgic incarnation of the American west into the remote space outpost of Batuu. Like many young people, I grew up wanting to run off with Luke Skywalker to far-off galaxies. To grab a drink in the Mos Eisley Cantina. To board the Millennium Falcon for adventures unknown. And today I'm finally doing those very things in a very real place. (All images captured with a Nikon Z7 and NIKKOR Z 24-70mm F2.8 zoom.) Welcome to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Walt Disney's newest land, now open to the public at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. Yes, technically we're still waiting on a ride to open before it's finished, and if you're more of a Disney World vacationer, the Florida Galaxy's Edge won't launch until this fall. But if you're in Southern California this summer, you can walk yourself right into your favorite galaxy far, far away. You can gobble the food, guzzle the drinks and, yes, even fly the Falcon with five of your best friends. I took my family earlier this week and wanted to share a few first impressions. (The Batuu Market) Yes, It's a Mall, But... Walking from Frontierland into Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge literally takes my breath away. I've been excited to visit, but standing inside, fully immersed, is something different and special. I'm not watching a movie or reading a book. I don't have to imagine anything. It's all just... here. Check out these droids waiting for repair. Or the speeders at the mechanic shop. Here's a robot operating a massive barbecue grill at the local market. The First Order is here too, patrolling the city for the Resistance. Their red and black flags blazing symbols of fascist occupation. Part of me knows this is nothing but a (very fancy) mall designed to sell clothes and toys and food and drink -- this is the business of show, after all -- but the artistry and craftsmanship on display are extraordinary. Every single square inch of this place brims with story and (fabricated) history and I'm a sucker for it all. Even the bathrooms are beautiful. It makes me forget I'm only a hundred meters away from a massive parking structure. Flying the Falcon (Galaxy's Edge Rides) Galaxy's Edge will eventually have two major attractions. Unfortunately, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance doesn't open until later this year, but know this much: Disney Imagineers called it the most epic attraction they've ever created. For context, I'd say Avatar: Flight of Passage is the most bonkers Disney ride available today, so I'm excited to see if Resistance meets or tops it. (Coming soon! Where You Will Wait) For now, though, the only Galaxy's Edge attraction is Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run. Imagine Star Tours with six riders sitting in the Falcon's cockpit where two act as pilots, two play gunners, and two become engineers. That's right, you're not just riding along, you're interacting while being judged in the process and on your mission's success. (Chewie... we're home.) In my opinion, as a ride, Smuggler's Run is just okay. I'm not a big fan of Star Tours because it's less immersive as, say, an IMAX (which is why Flight of Passage is so impressive) or even a real rollercoaster. That said, I was an engineer, which involves pressing eight buttons as they light up, so maybe it's more fun when you're the pilot. The imagery was gorgeous, naturally, and the cockpit bounces and jounces and all those fun things. (I let the Wookie win) To me, though, the most emotionally fulfilling part was simply being inside the Falcon's corridors. It's like walking into a favorite dream. Just like the city of Batuu, the precision and attention to detail are crazy-good. You can even sit at the infamous Dejarik board and get your picture taken while you wait for your mission. Dagobah Drinkin' (Galaxy's Edge Food & Beverages) From portable food carts selling snacks and custom Coke bottles (see above) to space cocktails and desserts, there's plenty to drink and eat in Batuu. Ronto Roasters sells American style roasted pork and grilled sausages while a droid monitors a massive forge roasting all the yummy space meats. (The Milk Stand) The Milk Stand offers both A New Hope inspired Blue Milk and The Last Jedi style Green Milk. But don't worry, you don't have to milk any sea cows to enjoy either wone. In fact, they're not actually milk at all. They're a frozen, fruity coconut/rice milk concoction more akin to a smoothie. Kat Saka's Kettle sells a fiery-red popcorn-based Outpost Mix. Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo offers a variety of vegetarian and meat dishes, from salads and ribs to veggie loaf and beef pot roast. It's definitely the full dining experience in Galaxy's Edge but, alas, you can't enjoy your meal with a beer. (Oga's Cantina Menu) If you are craving an adult beverage, Oga's Cantina boasts a variety of space cocktails, bubbling virgin drinks for kids and teetotalers, and a few custom beers crafted by Blue Point, New Belgium, Ballast Point, and Sierra Nevada. The drinks and glassware are as visually interesting as the cantina itself, which is already the most popular attraction in Batuu. Is it worth the long wait? I think so. There are a few food snacks as well, but I would have liked to enjoy my Dagobah Slug Slinger and Gammorean Ale with something from Ronto Roasters. Oh well. (Dagobah Slug Slinger aka The Space Margarita) (Oga's Cantina) IMPORTANT TIP: space is limited. If you want to get a drink at Oga's Cantina, you need to register. My advice: find this line as soon as you enter Galaxy's Edge, then wander around waiting for them to text you. (Oga's Cantina Droid DJ) Choose Your Side, Your Droid, and Your Creature (Galaxy's Edge Merch) Batuu feels like a city divided. It may be a remote outpost on the edge of the galaxy, but the First Order controls most of the city, from the spaceport to the market. But The Resistance is here too, just outside the market in the Old Outpost, an open space surrounded by canyon walls and desert plants. There's also a speeder and an X-wing Starfighter. The point is, though, that Galaxy's Edge encourages guests to become heroes or villains or both. (First Order Cargo) First Order Cargo is the place to get your stormtrooper uniforms and First Order enlistment posters. The store is metallic and clean (and a little fascist). (Resistance Supply) Meanwhile, Resistance Supply is the place to get your Resistance toys, t-shirts, and pilot uniforms & helmets. (Droid Depot) In the Droid Depot, you get to hand build your own robotic friend as parts appear on a conveyer belt reminiscent of modern Sushi restaurants. Here too you get to choose Resistance or First Order droids, or you can pick up a pre-assembled favorite, like R2D2 or BB8. In Savi's Workshop, you get to make your own lightsaber (take that, Harry Potter wands!). (Dok-Ondar, I presume) In Dok-Ondar's Den of Antiquities, your light vs dark side choices continue. With more stunning production design that includes the above creature, you can choose between blue Resistance artifacts and red First Order gear. (Creature Stall) And lastly, over in the market, you'll find several more shops. The Creature Stall sells Kowakian monkey-lizards and other space pets. Black Spire Outfitters sells legitimately gorgeous Jedi-style robes. There are others, of course, but I started losing track. Aside from the outrageous prices (make a budget and stick to it or face crushing debt!), what struck me most about the merchandise was the quality and variety. Each place you wander, you can buy cool "limited edition" Star Wars merchandise and memorability. Before You Go (A Few Tips) ...Updated July 2, 2019... Reservations are required to enter Galaxy's Edge through June 23, 2019. I scored mine by booking a night at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels. With a confirmed reservation in hand, you actually have to first go to Star Wars Launch Bay in Tomorrow Land to pick up a color-coded bracelet, and then you can walk over Galaxy's Edge. It's a little cumbersome, but you can go two hours before your reservation and we didn't face any lines or waiting during this process. Disney was ready and well organized. (Reservations are no longer required.) Starting June 24, 2019, anyone with a Disneyland ticket can enter Galaxy's Edge, which I suspect will lead to more crowds. Unfortunately, you won't be able to access Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge during Extra Magic Hour or Magic Morning. As of July (2019), you have to use the Disneyland Park app to get a Fast Pass to enter Galaxy's Edge, and you'll need to get Fast Passes for attractions as well as the Cantina, and they're distributed quite early in the day. Final Thoughts Like every new land created by the talented Disney Imagineers, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is a stunning testament to functional world-building. My favorite lands remain Cars Land in Disney's California Adventure and Pandora in Disney's Animal Kingdom, but Galaxy's Edge is right up there. It's an astonishing accomplishment that is as close as we can ever get to stepping into Star Wars. Heck, they even pump in sounds of spaceships taking off or flying over the city. It's so impressive. Still, I wouldn't come to Disneyland just to see this one land. Yes, it's filled with an infinite number of small details and even the stores feel like mini-attractions unto themselves. But with only one ride (or even with two), there isn't a full day's worth of activities once you get your fill of the incredible production design. In that sense, if you don't live in Southern California, it might be best to wait until Galaxy's Edge has both rides running and remind yourself to enjoy the rest of the resort at the same time. Or perhaps the Florida incarnation will work better for you. Regardless, Star Wars Galaxy's Edge comes highly recommended for Star Wars fans, Disney nerds, and theme park aficionados of all ages. See it for yourself. This is the one you've been waiting to see your whole life.Posted Fri Jun 7, 2019 at 03:08 PM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deals: $100 off Xbox One X Console Bundles[teaser]Xbox systems are now on sale for E3![/teaser] To coincide with the E3 video game tradeshow set to kick off on June 11, Microsoft has launched a special sale on its Xbox One consoles and games. As part of the promotion, select Xbox One X bundles are now up to $130 off. The discounts are set to be active between June 7 and June 17. Here's a rundown of current Xbox One X sale prices via Amazon: Xbox One X 1TB Console: Tom Clancy's The Division 2 Bundle - Currently $399. Xbox One X 1TB Console: Metro Exodus Bundle - Currently $399. Xbox One X 1TB Console: NBA 2K19 Bundle - Currently $374. Xbox One X 1TB Console: Fallout 76 Bundle - Currently $374. Xbox One X 1TB Console: Pubg Bundle Bundle - Currently $369. The Xbox One X game console offers support for 4K HDR gaming with supported titles. In addition, the system also includes an integrated Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive with support for 4K HDR10, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X playback. Meanwhile, Dolby Vision HDR playback is currently supported via Netflix streaming on compatible Dolby Vision TVs. Beyond the Xbox One X, Microsoft is also currently offering several other discounts on additional consoles and hundreds of video game titles. CLICK HERE for full details on the sale. These deals will only be active for a limited time while supplies last. Make sure to check back with High-Def Digest for more sales and special promotions! Source: MicrosoftPosted Fri Jun 7, 2019 at 11:15 AM PDT by: -
AT&T and WarnerMedia's New Streaming Service Expected to Cost $16 to $17 Per Month[teaser]New details have emerged about the upcoming streaming platform.[/teaser] According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, WarnerMedia and its parent company, AT&T, are anticipating a $16 to $17 monthly fee for their new streaming service. Though an exact release date has not been announced yet, a beta version of the platform is set to launch later this year and a full version is expected to be available by March 2020. The currently untitled streaming service will reportedly include access to HBO and Cinemax, along with an extensive library of additional Warner Bros. movies and TV shows. Likewise, the platform is also expected to add original programming in the future. WarnerMedia already offers a standalone HBO subscription streaming option, called HBO Now, for $15 per month, so the proposed $16 to $17 monthly price for the expanded service looks like it could serve as an enticing upgrade for existing customers. In addition, the company is also mulling over the possibility of introducing a cheaper ad-supported tier in 2020. Meanwhile, Disney and Apple are also gearing up to launch their own rival streaming services, dubbed Disney+ and Apple TV+ respectively, later this year. Disney+ is set to cost just $7 per month while Apple has yet to confirm pricing for its platform. Upcoming original shows for Disney+ will include several series based on Marvel and Star Wars characters, while the Apple TV+ lineup is set to include programming from several high profile filmmakers and stars like Steven Spielberg, J. J. Abrams, Oprah, Jennifer Aniston, Kumail Nanjiania, and more. Sources: The Wall Street Journal via The Verge, EngadgetPosted Fri Jun 7, 2019 at 09:25 AM PDT by: -
VIZIO Announces Two-Day Father's Day Sale on New Quantum 4K HDR TVs[teaser]The company's newest TV models will be on sale for a limited time.[/teaser] VIZIO has announced a special two-day Father's Day promotion on its new P-Series Quantum X, P-Series Quantum, and M-Series Quantum displays, offering up to $200 off their MSRPs. The sale will run from June 7 to June 9 at select retailers. Here's a full rundown of the sale prices per VIZIO: CLICK HERE for our full review! P-Series Quantum P659 65-inch 4K HDR TV ($1,399.99 MSRP): $1,349.99, $50 off MSRP! (6/7/19 - 6/9/19, All retailers) P-Series Quantum P759 75-inch 4K HDR TV ($2,499.99 MSRP): $2,299.99, $200 off MSRP! (6/7/19 - 6/9/19, All retailers) P-Series Quantum X PX65 65-inch 4K HDR TV ($2,199.99 MSRP): $2,099.99, $100 off MSRP! (6/7/19 - 6/9/19, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, VIZIO) P-Series Quantum X PX65 65-inch 4K HDR TV ($2,099.99 MSRP): $1,999.99, $100 off MSRP! (6/7/19 - 6/9/19, Sam's Club, Costco) M-Series Quantum M507 50-inch 4K HDR TV ($549.99 MSRP): $529.99, $20 off MSRP! (6/7/19 - 6/9/19, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, VIZIO) M-Series Quantum M507 50-inch 4K HDR TV ($529.99 MSRP): $509.99, $20 off MSRP! (6/7/19 - 6/9/19, Sam's Club, Costco) M-Series Quantum M557 55-inch 4K HDR TV ($589.99 MSRP): $549.99, $40 off MSRP! (6/7/19 - 6/9/19, Sam's Club, Costco) M-Series Quantum M558 55-inch 4K HDR TV ($799.99 MSRP): $749.99, $50 off MSRP! (6/7/19 - 6/9/19, All retailers) M-Series Quantum M657 65-inch 4K HDR TV ($789.99 MSRP): $749.99, $40 off MSRP! (6/7/19 - 6/9/19, Sam's Club, Costco) M-Series Quantum M658 65-inch 4K HDR TV ($999.99 MSRP): $949.99, $50 off MSRP! (6/7/19 - 6/9/19, All retailers)Posted Thu Jun 6, 2019 at 01:15 PM PDT by: -
Klipsch Details New Sound Bar Models[teaser]Two new sound bar models have been revealed.[/teaser] Klipsch has announced the latest additions to its lineup of home audio products. The new collection includes the BAR 48 and BAR 40 sound bars. The BAR 48 is a 3.1 sound bar system with a dedicated center channel and a wireless 8-inch subwoofer. In addition, the device offers support for built-in Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, and DTS-HD surround sound processing. Designed with a slim profile for easy placement, the sound bar measures 48-inches long and 2.8-inches tall. Likewise, the unit can also be wall-mounted. Bluetooth connectivity and a remote control are included as well. And for users who want a true 5.1 experience, the BAR 48 can be paired with optional SURROUND 3 satellite speakers as well. The BAR 48 is now available for an MSRP of $499, and the SURROUND 3 speakers are available for an MSRP of $249 for a pair. Here's a rundown of key specs for the BAR 48 per Klipsch: SPEAKER SYSTEM - 48" 3.1 soundbar with 8" wireless subwoofer MAX ACOUSTIC OUTPUT - 103 dB HIGH FREQUENCY DRIVERS - (3) 1" (25.4mm) soft dome tweeters mated to Tractrix® horn MIDRANGE - (4) 3" (76.2mm) oval fiber composite cone woofers SUBWOOFER- 8" (203.2mm) ported subwoofer ENCLOSURE TYPE - Bar: Wood (Sealed), Subwoofer: Wood SYSTEM POWER - 440W FREQUENCY RESPONSE - TBD INPUTS - HDMI-ARC, Bluetooth®, 3.5mm Analog, Optical Digital OUTPUTS - HDMI-ARC, Subwoofer Output DIMENSIONS (BAR) - 47 11/16” (121.1cm) W x 2 7/8” (7.3cm) H x 3 3/8 (8.6cm) D DIMENSIONS (SUBWOOFER) - 11 7/8” (30.2cm) W x 16 1/8” (41cm) H x 16 1/8” (41cm) D FINISH - Black VOLTAGE - 100-240V 50/60Hz internal power supply Meanwhile, the BAR 40 is a 2.1 sound bar system with a wireless 6.5-inch subwoofer. In addition, the device features a built-in Dolby Audio decoding and virtual surround sound modes. The unit measures 40-inches long and 2.8-inches tall. Bluetooth connectivity and a remote control are included as well. The BAR 40 is now available for an MSRP of $299. Here's a rundown of key specs for the BAR 40 per Klipsch: SPEAKER SYSTEM - 40” 2.1 soundbar with 6.5” wireless subwoofer MAX ACOUSTIC OUTPUT - 93 dB HIGH FREQUENCY DRIVERS - (2) 3/4” (19mm) soft dome tweeters mated to Tractrix® horn MIDRANGE - (2) 3” (76.2mm) oval fiber composite cone woofers SUBWOOFER - 6 1/2” (165.1mm) ported subwoofer ENCLOSURE TYPE - Bar: Wood (Sealed), Subwoofer: Wood SYSTEM POWER - TBD FREQUENCY RESPONSE - TBD INPUTS - HDMI-ARC, Bluetooth®, 3.5mm Analog, Optical Digital OUTPUTS - HDMI-ARC, Subwoofer Output DIMENSIONS (BAR) - 39 15/16” (101.4cm) W x 2 7/8” (7.3cm) H x 3 3/8 (8.6cm) D DIMENSIONS (SUBWOOFER) - 9 1/2” (24.1cm) W x 14 1/8” (35.9cm) H x 9 1/2” (24.1cm) D FINISH - Black VOLTAGE - 100-240V 50/60Hz internal power supply Source: KlipschPosted Wed Jun 5, 2019 at 12:30 PM PDT by: -
Value Electronics Announces 2019 TV Shootout Event[teaser]The annual TV competition will be held later this month in NYC.[/teaser] Value Electronics has announced details for its 2019 TV Shootout. The event will be held at 9am on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in NYC as part of the CE Week tradeshow. The competition will place several flagship displays side-by-side as test patterns and real content are used to judge various picture quality attributes, including contrast, color fidelity, color saturation, and motion resolution. A panel of professional video colorists, finishers, TV reviewers, and video scientists will then vote on all of the categories to select 2019's "King of TV." Here's a rundown of the display models set to be included in this year's event: LG OLED65C9PUA OLED TV Samsung QN65Q90R LCD/LED TV Sony XBR-65A9G OLED TV Sony XBR-65Z9F LCD/LED TV (Image from the 2018 TV Shootout) The 2019 competition will mark the event's 15th year and will be webcast live. TVs used in the competition will be taken randomly from Value Electronics' inventory and no manufacturer supplied samples will be used. The TV Shootout will also use switching, distribution, HDMI cables, and test equipment supplied by AVProStore and Metra Home Theater. Scott Wilkinson will moderate the event, and the tests will be presented by Joel Silver of the Imaging Science Foundation and Kevin Miller of ISFTV. High-Def Digest will be on hand at CE Week to cover the competition, so make sure to check back with us for full details on the winners and results. Source: Value ElectronicsPosted Wed Jun 5, 2019 at 10:30 AM PDT by: -
LG Launches Pre-Orders for First 8K OLED TV[teaser]The company's new 8K display is now available for pre-order in South Korea.[/teaser] LG has announced the launch of pre-sales for its OLED88Z9 88-inch 8K OLED TV. Though official pricing has not been revealed, according to a report by Forbes, the pre-order cost will be around $29,999. The display is now rolling out to South Korea and will expand to more markets in North America and Europe in the third quarter of 2019. "Being the first to market with the world's first and largest 8K OLED TV shows our commitment to leading the ultra-premium TV segment and delivering the ultimate viewing experience," said Brian Kwon, president of the Mobile Communications and Home Entertainment companies at LG. "LG was a pioneer in bringing OLED to market and we will continue to introduce state-of-art TV technologies that push the boundaries of what’s possible in home entertainment." The OLED88Z9 features an 88-inch OLED panel with an 8K resolution (7,680 x 4,320) and over 33 million self-emitting pixels to deliver deep blacks, wide viewing angles, and infinite contrast. In addition, the display uses LG's second- generation α (Alpha) 9 Gen 2 8K intelligent processor, enabling deep learning tech for video and audio optimization, along with advanced 8K upscaling and 6-step noise reduction. Likewise, the TV also offers support for Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and HDR10. HDMI 2.1 connectivity is implemented as well, offering 8K playback at 60 frames per second, an automatic low latency mode (ALLM), variable refresh rate (VRR), and enhanced audio return channel (eARC). Finally, built-in support for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa voice control will also be included in select markets. Beyond the new 8K TV, LG also recently launched its 2019 4K OLED TV and 4K NanoCell TV lineups in the US, led by the flagship C9 OLED TV and SM9500 NanoCell TV. Source: LG, ForbesPosted Wed Jun 5, 2019 at 06:30 AM PDT by: -
Apple Details New 6K Pro Display XDR Screen with 1,600 Nits Peak Brightness[teaser]The new professional display offers advanced "Extreme Dynamic Range" performance.[/teaser] Apple has revealed its latest professional display model, the Pro Display XDR. The new 6K Retina screen is designed to pair with the company's upcoming Mac Pro, offering an advanced imaging workstation solution. "Pro Display XDR is the world’s best pro display and the perfect companion to the all-new Mac Pro," said Phil Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. "With Retina 6K resolution, gorgeous color, extreme brightness and contrast ratio, and a highly functional design, Pro Display XDR delivers the most comprehensive set of features ever offered on any display at this price point." The Pro Display XDR features a 32-inch 6K Retina IPS LCD panel with a resolution of 6016 x 3384. In addition, the display offers P3 wide color gamut coverage and true 10-bit color support. Likewise, the screen uses polarizer technology to provide a superwide off-axis viewing angle, along with an industry-leading anti-reflective coating to reduce reflections. Meanwhile, the device also incorporates direct LED backlighting with 576 full array local dimming zones and an advanced thermal system, enabling 1,000 nits of sustained full-screen brightness, 1,600 nits of peak brightness, and a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio -- resulting in advanced HDR capabilities dubbed "XDR" (Extreme Dynamic Range) by Apple. From a design perspective, the display uses edge-to-edge glass and 9-millimeter borders housed within an aluminum enclosure. A Pro Stand (sold separately) is also available with tilt and height adjustments, along with a rotation option for orienting the display in portrait mode. And when it comes to connectivity, the screen is designed for use with a single Thunderbolt 3 cable, offering compatibility with Mac products like the new Mac Pro. The Apple Pro Display XDR is set to launch this fall for $4,999, while the Pro Stand will cost an extra $999. In addition, a special matte Pro Display XDR version with nano-texture tech for low reflectivity and less glare will also be available for $5,999. Source: ApplePosted Mon Jun 3, 2019 at 12:30 PM PDT by:
